Staff Accountant

Staff Accountant Please submit cover letter with resume

SUMMARY: 
The Staff Accountant is accountable for the timely and accurate preparation and maintenance of the financial statements. This responsibility encompasses all accounts on the organization's Balance Sheets and Income Statements. Responsible for daily accounting processes and bookkeeping activities including but not limited to payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, maintaining General Ledger Accounting balances, and Cash Management.  Compiles, reviews reconcile prepares and analyzes entries to facilitate the bookkeeping function.  Assists with month-end inventory process and other reports to ensure information is correct for timely financial statements.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Prepares consolidated internal and external financial statements by gathering and analyzing information from the general ledger system and from departments. Accurate and timely preparation of monthly financial statements, journal entries, payments and billings as specifically required.
• Maintains and balances an automated consolidation system by inputting data; verifying data.
• Analyzes information and options by developing spreadsheet reports; verifying information.
• Prepares general ledger entries by maintaining records and files; reconciling accounts. Perform comprehensive accounting activities to maintain a complete and accurate general ledger.
• Assist in preparing bank reconciliations and other balance sheet reconciliations as assigned.
• Prepares payments by accruing expenses; assigning account numbers; requesting disbursements; reconciling accounts.
• Develops and implements accounting procedures by analyzing current procedures; recommending changes.
• Answers accounting and financial questions by researching and interpreting data.
• Provides accounting support for mergers and acquisitions by reviewing financial information; converting data to general ledger system; obtaining supplementary information for preparing financial statements.
• Protects organization's value by keeping information confidential.
• Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations.
• Accomplishes accounting and organization mission by completing related results as needed.
• Process all Accounts Payable open invoices, including posting to GL and printing checks.
• Review and research bills.
• Record journal entries for expense transactions.
• Follow up with all collection calls.
• Assist in facilitating the month-end close process by preparing journal entries, reviewing and completing all assigned month-end functions.
• Support on-going audit efforts and assist in process documentation.
• Maintain the Fixed Asset and associated depreciation schedules on the MIP or designated Software System; provide monthly detail for General Journal entries; insure proper recording of new purchases and disposals.
• Maintain Purchase Order Processing system.
• Prepare mailings and priority shipments for the Finance/Accounting Department.
• Prepare correspondence, labels and maintain files as needed within the department.
• Assist with 401(k) system. Perform annual audit of company 403B plan deductions and matching contributions; Administer company 403B retirement plan from the standpoint of calculating company matching funds on a monthly basis and assisting in preparing the annual audit of the 403B plan; Prepare all required returns associated with the company 403B retirement plan;
• Manage petty cash account.
• Assist the CFO in tracking and maintaining company insurance policies (except Employee Benefits, which are maintained by the HR Department).
• Perform such other accounting, financial, or administrative tasks as may be required from time to time – quite often on short notice - by the CEO or CFO.
• Maintain all payroll records (payroll summary) and information as required by Internal Revenue Service; Prepare all required Monthly/Quarterly/Annual payroll tax returns by the due date;
• Maintain all Accounts Payable records and information in an organized manner for seven (7) fiscal years;
• Process Accounts Payable invoices including Code invoices with the appropriate General Ledger accounting code; 
• Enter approved invoices into Accounting software for payment; Issue appropriate checks to vendors for payment in regards to services and supplies.
• Receive and maintain IRS Forms W9 on appropriate contract vendors;
• Issue IRS Form 1099 to contract vendors and copies to the appropriate governing agency;
• Complete semi-annual sales tax refund form;
• Prepare analysis, schedules, etc. as requested by CEO, CFO, or Board of Directors;
• Process Grant Fund drawdown request on an as needed basis;
• Assist CFO in completion of all annual cost reports, annual financial audit, annual UDS report, and any other required annual governmental reporting;
• Maintain report which provides operating cash balance and invested funds information to CEO, CFO, and Board of directors;
• Perform other assigned tasks within the scope of this classification and other reasonable duties as required by the CEO, CFO, or the Board of Directors.
• Accuracy of Work - Completes all work with high quality and attention to detail. Avoids re-work and/or frequent need for corrections. 
• Adaptable to Change - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time.
• Analytical Skill – Strong analytical, reporting, and data presentation skill; ability to convert raw data into meaningful strategic information presented in graph or table format and relevant to guide senior decision- making. 
• Coachability – Responds to coaching feedback in a positive manner; desires to grow in role; follows through on improvement plans resulting in observable and measurable improvement.
• Communication to Person Reporting – Communicates frequently (as-needed) with person reporting to all necessary information, including project status, work-related issues or concerns, as well as concerns, questions, or suggestions. Is accessible and responds quickly to calls and e-mail attempts.
• Communication to Subordinates – Is available and accessible to subordinate employees; keeps subordinates informed as it relates to company information. Able to tactfully assess and address poor performance; quickly identifies issues needing corrective action; reports such actions to CEO.
• Compliance – Consistently complies with all established company standard operating processes and procedures. 
• Cost Consciousness – Conducts Cost-Benefit-Analysis (CBA) with projects and vendor relationships; Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; Contributes to profits and revenue; Conserves organizational resources.
• Customer Service –Responds promptly to internal and/or external customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments.
• Dependability and Follow-through - Follows through on requests and/or instructions (the first time), responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; provides status updates without requests. 
• Effectiveness in Role – Ultimately effective in contributing to measurable strategic goals and objectives of the organization. 
• Ethical Standards – Understands and models organizational values; Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically. 
• Flexibility – Flexible in terms of role and schedule.
• Initiative - Volunteers readily; Undertakes self-development activities; Seeks increased responsibilities; Takes independent actions and calculated risks; Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities; Asks for and offers help when needed.
• Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
• Judgment - Displays willingness to make decisions; Models an effective decision-making process; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision- making process; Makes timely decisions.
• Leadership - Exhibits confidence in self and others; Inspires and motivates others to perform well; Effectively influences actions and opinions of others; Accepts feedback from others; Gives appropriate recognition to others.
• Motivation – Puts forth full effort; Sets and achieves challenging goals; Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; Measures self against standard of excellence; Takes calculated risks to accomplish goals.
• Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans.
• Problem Solving Skills - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely and effective manner; Addresses root-causes of recurrent problems; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics; Seeks help when needed.
• Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments; Maintains a professional appearance.
• Quantity and Productivity - Meets productivity standards; Completes work in timely manner; Strives to increase productivity; Works quickly.
• Strategic Thinking – Understands mission, strategic goals, objectives, and measures and understands how their area impacts organization; Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals; Understands organization's strengths & weaknesses; 
• Teamwork with Peers and Other Functions- Balances functional and organizational responsibilities; Contributes to upstream and downstream processes; Works well with peers, superiors, and subordinates.
• Technical Skills – Understands the technical aspects of functional area; Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others; Stays current with industry/technical changes.
• Timeliness of Work Completion – Completes work on-time and on-schedule; prioritizes, provides frequent unsolicited status updates regarding more involved projects.
• Verbal and Presentation Skills – Speaks clearly and effectively; able to effectively prepare for and present to a group.
• Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively (grammar and spelling); Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information; Able to write in format ideal for grant-writing application.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• General knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, Payroll administration, Payroll tax law, cash management, and Accounts Payable transactions. Advanced knowledge of accounting principles and practices.  
• Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize work flow in an efficient manner. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines. 
• Ability to develop and maintain a working relationship with co-workers. Great communication and customer interaction skills- Highly organized. 
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.  
• Must be able to think outside the box, work independently with general supervision, be a team player, and willing to contribute beyond the defined role to meet business needs.

 EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• A minimum of three to five years accounting experience and a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting is required. Degree(s) must be from a credible college or university. 
• Must have solid background preparing monthly financial statements and reconciling asset and liability accounts, preparing tax returns and various other accounting functions; possess strong organizational, technical, analytical and communication skills; be proficient in Microsoft Excel.

 LANGUAGE SKILLS:Excellent communication including written and verbal skills, Must have effective organizational skills, and the ability to establish priorities and to multi-task.  Must have very good verbal skills. Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:Must be highly skilled in dealing with financial and numeric data.  Ability to analyze figures and apply basic concepts of mathematics, computations, and accounting principles. Required to be comfortable with computers, including accounting software. REASONING ABILITY:Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.  Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

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